WASHINGTON, D.C. – They emerged atop what was widely considered the best conference in America this season, and enjoyed two separate stints as the nation’s #1 team…but none of that could prepare Indiana for the dreaded 2-3 zone defense of the Syracuse Orange.
The Hoosiers became the second top-seeded team to be bounced from this year’s NCAA Tournament, after 4th-seeded Syracuse dealt them a 61-50 defeat in the East Regional Semifinals on Thursday night. Indiana was flummoxed all night long by Syracuse’s patented zone, shooting only 33.3% from the field (16-for-48), including a dreadful 20.0% from beyond the arc (3-for-15). Cody Zeller had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, but made only three of 11 shots from the field. Two of Indiana’s starters – Jordan Hulls and Yogi Ferrell – failed to score a single point. Indiana came up short in their quest to return to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2002.
Meanwhile, Syracuse continued its rather unlikely run, given their late-season struggles. After losing some press during the season to the likes of Trey Burke and Shane Larkin, Michael Carter-Williams reminded everyone why HE was considered the best point guard in college basketball early in the season. Carter-Williams led all scorers with 24 points, also grabbing five rebounds and coming up with four steals. Brandon Triche added 14 for Syracuse.
The victory by the Orange sets up an all-Big East showdown in the East Regional Finals on Saturday. Syracuse will battle conference foe Marquette for the right to go to the Final Four. The two teams met only once during the regular season, with Marquette earning a 74-71 win.
Ian Eagle and John Thompson called the action on Westwood One Sports.
(Michael Carter-Williams buries a three to give Syracuse a 14-5 early edge)
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(MCW does it again from the outside, as the lead grows to 27-11)
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(Hoosiers battle back, as Christian Watford scores to cut deficit to 11)
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(Indiana continues comeback, as Victor Oladipo nails a trey to cut it to just six)
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(Carter-Williams will not be denied, as another three pushes lead to 51-37)
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(Syracuse is off to the Elite Eight)
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(Postgame interview with Syracuse’s C.J. Fair)
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For our complete NCAA Tournament schedule, CLICK HERE.
